Jaleesa Hazzard is a nonprofit executive with 20 years experience in program development, non-profit management, workforce development, job placement and fund-raising. Before launching Hazzard Consulting Group in 2008, Jaleesa served for five years as the Executive Director of Workplace Hollywood, a non-profit dedicated to training and placing a diverse workforce behind the scenes in the entertainment industry. The organization, created by industry and community leaders, served as a unique one-stop shop for job seekers to receive accurate information and access to industry certified training and job referral services. It also served as a key resource for entertainment companies to access qualified and diverse workers to fill open positions at all levels.

Prior to joining Workplace Hollywood, Hazzard had 14 years of experience as the Executive Director of Y.E.S. TO JOBS, a national program providing job training and paid internships for minority high-school students in the entertainment, media and communications industries. Hazzard developed Y.E.S. (Youth Entertainment Summer) TO JOBS into a successful enterprise touching the lives of over 2,500 young people across the country. Y.E.S. TO JOBS was established as a model program for developing internship opportunities in an industry sector, training students to successfully compete for internship opportunities and to develop those internship relationships into full-time employment. Y.E.S. TO JOBS was honored with the NAACP Image Award under her leadership.

Jaleesa has been an active member of the Los Angeles non-profit community for over 20 years. The Los Angeles Sports Academy, United Friends of the Children Bridges Program, Young Black Scholars and Lakers Wives Charities have all benefited from her volunteer time and efforts. Ms. Hazzard is a graduate of the University of California at Los Angeles. Ms Hazzard has been named by the NAACP Legal Defense Fund as a Black Woman of Achievement and honored by the Black Journalists of Southern California with the Torchbearers Award. She is a highly sought after lecturer and panelist at colleges and high schools regarding opportunities in the entertainment industry, career development, soft skills required for job seekers including resume writing and interviewing techniques, entertainment training programs and internships. She maintains strong relationships with entertainment industry leaders as well as community leaders who support diversity and programs to help minority and economically disadvantaged residents of Los Angeles gain access to livable wage employment.

Jaleesa resides in Los Angeles and is the wife of former UCLA basketball great, Walt Hazzard. She is the mother of four adult sons.